HOW WE RAISE OUR PUPS
FAMILY RAISED
Our Approach to Exceptional Puppies
At Pickerel Pups, our breeding philosophy centers on four essential pillars: comprehensive health and temperament testing, Puppy Culture enrichment, intentional breeding decisions, and premium nutrition. We believe healthy, well-balanced parents create exceptional puppies, which is why we prioritize these foundational elements in everything we do.
Our dogs aren't just breeding stock—they're family members who live in our home, enjoying all the love, attention, and comforts that come with being part of our family!
Our Puppy Development Program
Craig and I implement a structured development protocol from day one. We monitor each puppy's growth with daily weigh-ins and introduce Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) between days 3-16. These specialized exercises support critical neurological development during this rapid growth period.
We complement this with Early Scent Introduction (ESI) beginning on day 3, which enhances each puppy's natural scent-detection abilities. This important sensory work helps develop their cognitive functions and sets them up for success in training later in life.
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Our Commitment to Cleanliness
Our dedicated puppy area is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. This meticulous attention to hygiene isn't just about appearance—it's a critical component of raising robust, healthy puppies in an environment where they can thrive from their first moments of life.
This comprehensive approach ensures your Pickerel Pup has the strongest possible foundation for a lifetime of health, happiness, and companionship with your family.
HEALTH TESTING
Temperment and health is our highest priority. Before a dog joins our breeding program they go through different tests important to their breed. Such as, temperament, genetics, OFA and/or PennHIP. Health testing is important to produce the best offspring possible and eliminate health issues.
EMPOWERED BREEDER
Pickerel Pups has practices to ensure our puppies are off to a great start and are ready to adapt to new situations they will encounter with their forever families.
We raise our puppies the Badass Breeder way, which focuses on building the foundation for therapy and service dog training as well as a lifelong loyal companion. This curriculum starts your dog on the right foot from the day they are born.
ENS/ESI
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a training program that introduces mild stimulations to puppies (days 3-16) in a gentle, controlled way. This curriculum helps encourage neurological growth, which improves the development of the pup’s immune system, cardiovascular system, and stress tolerance.
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Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is a training program for puppies designed to enhance their ability to identify, and react to, specific scents. Starting at day 3-16, we introduce a new scent to the puppy for brief intervals, and record the puppy’s reaction. ESI has several benefits—improved confidence and stability, greater nose awareness, and more adaptive to change.
Thank You For Your Interest in a Pickerel Pup!